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This Exclusive Retreat in Sri Lanka Is One of the World’s Best Villa Rentals

Àni Villas Sri Lanka
Photo by Christiangomez.com

Àni Villas Sri Lanka

Àni Villas Sri Lanka

Àni Villas Sri Lanka

Àni Villas Sri Lanka

Àni Villas Sri Lanka

Cynthia Rosenfeld

June 22, 2016

Robb Report’s June “Best of the Best” issue is on newsstands now! Here is the best villa rental for 2016. Selection guidelines: Honorees must have debuted, or relaunched after extensive renovations, since March 2015.

This 15-bedroom estate on Sri Lanka’s central south coast leaves nothing to be desired. From ayurvedic spa treatments and yoga sessions to cooking classes and tennis lessons, Àni Villas has curated a true resort experience within the exclusive setting of a private home. Your per-sonal chef is fluent in Thai, Indian, and Italian cuisines; your infinity-edge swimming pool overlooks an isolated white-sand beach. If not for your concierge—who can arrange a trip to the Ceylon tea fields or a tour of the 400-year-old Galle Fort—you might never leave.

The estate comprises the eight-bedroom Villa Monara, the seven-bedroom Villa Divia, and a central pavilion with a spa, a yoga studio, a fitness center, and tennis courts. Each villa features a library, a kitchen, a dining room, a media room, and a beachfront pool with a waterslide.

Full-time staff includes a general manager, a private chef, butlers, spa therapists, a children’s activity coordinator, and a personal trainer.

The estate accommodates as many as 30 guests. Smaller groups from eight to 16 can reserve Villa Divia or Villa Monara exclusively.

Day trips include leopard safaris in nearby Yala National Park and whale watching and surfing in the Bay of Bengal.